Milan residents thank police, councilwoman for Mardi Gras enforcement

Residents of the Milan neighborhood who in recent years have witnessed ever-larger crowds of “wall-to-wall drunken teenagers” gathering on Amelia Street during Mardi Gras parades thanked the police officers and city councilwoman who brought the problem to an abrupt end this year.

During a Wednesday night meeting of the Milan Focus Group, Lt. Frank Young of the NOPD Sixth District and City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell were both on hand to update residents on their efforts in the neighborhood. But conversation returned several times to Amelia Street, where residents said thick crowds of young, heavily intoxicated teens have been gathering in growing numbers on parade nights in recent years.

After several residents complained this year about fighting and an arson case, police brought officers on horseback and large floodlights onto the street, breaking up the crowds. The results brought praise from the residents, some of whom said they attended Wednesday’s meeting just for the chance to offer their thanks in person.

Moving forward, Cantrell said she is already beginning discussions on how the Mardi Gras parade ordinances need to be updated, and how to ensure they are properly enforced next year.

“We’re setting the tone for Mardi Gras 2014,” Cantrell said.

The meeting also included updates on crime, blight and other issues in the Milan neighborhood. To read our live coverage, see below.